Verizon officials are confident about their business strategy as 2016 unfolds, continuing their focus on innovation and the overall digital customer experience.
“Entering 2016, we are confident in our three-tier strategy of leading at the network connectivity level in the markets we serve, developing new business models through global platforms in video and Internet of Things, and creating certain opportunities and applications and content for incremental monetization,” Verizon EVP and CFO Fran Shammo said during Thursday’s fiscal fourth quarter conference call, according to Seeking Alpha. “Our execution model enables us to compete effectively in every market 
condition and build our capabilities for future growth and profitability as an innovator in the digital-first mobile world in 2016 and beyond.”
During 2015, Verizon demonstrated a balanced performance in a dynamic competitive environment, Shammo noted.
“We delivered quality growth and strong financial performance in our operating segments while improving our strategic position and returning value to our shareholders,” he explained. “Overall, our full-year adjusted earnings per share grew 19.1% and free cash flow increased to $18.8 billion, excluding tower proceeds, which enabled us to invest and return value to our shareholders. We remain committed to consistently investing in our networks for the future. Our 2015 investments have positioned us for growth and allow us to maintain our network leadership position, as consistently acknowledged by third parties. Wireless densification enables us to add capacity to manage the growing trends of video consumption and the demand required for the Internet of Things, as well as prepositioning us for the future 5G technology. We invested in AWS-3 spectrum during the year, acquiring spectrum covering 480 markets for a total value of $10.4 billion.”
During 2015, Verizon announced the divestiture of certain wire line properties to Frontier and intends to use the proceeds to pay down debt.
“We monetized the majority of our remaining cell towers and we were able to return value to shareholders in the form of an accelerated share repurchase of $5 billion,” Shammo said. “We have returned more than $13.5 billion to shareholders during the year, including dividends.”